Massachusetts State House

The Massachusetts State House is the working capitol of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and one of the oldest buildings on Beacon Hill, home to the Massachusetts government since its completion in 1798. It's sometimes called the New State House, the historic name that distinguishes it from the separate Old State House downtown, a different building entirely with its own history on the Freedom Trail. Charles Bulfinch designed the building in his twenties, and Paul Revere himself presided over the Masonic cornerstone ceremony on July 4, 1795.

Location

Located on 24 Beacon Street, the Massachusetts State House offers views back down over Boston Common from its front steps and is easily accessible by foot or public transportation. Its central location on Beacon Hill makes it a natural stop while exploring the surrounding neighborhood, including nearby Acorn Street, one of the most photographed streets in the country.

History

Charles Bulfinch drafted the original plans in 1795. Construction began that July, with Paul Revere presiding over the Masonic cornerstone ceremony, and the building was completed by January 1798, a fast timeline for a public building of its scale. The original wooden dome was covered in copper by Paul Revere's own copper company in 1802 and later gilded in gold in 1874, the same gold dome visible today. The building was expanded twice as Massachusetts government grew: in 1895 under architect Charles Brigham, and again in 1917, when the east and west wings still in use today were completed. The land itself was once part of John Hancock's estate, Massachusetts's first elected governor.

Touring The State House

The Massachusetts State House offers free public tours, run by the Secretary of the Commonwealth's office, lasting about 40 minutes and available in eight languages. Tours are typically offered on weekdays and can be booked in advance by phone at 617-727-3676. As with any government building, hours and availability can change, so confirming before your visit is worth doing.

The tour covers the Hall of Flags, where regiment flags from Massachusetts soldiers are displayed beneath a stained glass skylight bearing the seals of the original thirteen colonies, and Doric Hall, with its columns and historic busts. The building's best-known feature may be the Sacred Cod, a carved wooden fish about 5 feet long that has hung over the House of Representatives chamber since 1784, a symbol of the fishing industry's role in the Commonwealth's early economy.

Nearby Attractions

After touring the State House, visitors can explore the rest of Beacon Hill and its many attractions. Just a short walk away is historic Boston Common, America's oldest public park, and the State House is also one of the stops along the Freedom Trail. Visitors can take a stroll down Charles Street, known for its shops and restaurants, or follow the Black Heritage Trail, which passes the nearby African Meeting House and covers the neighborhood's pre-Civil War Black community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Massachusetts State House the same as the Old State House?

No. The Massachusetts State House on Beacon Hill, sometimes called the New State House, is the current, active seat of Massachusetts government. The Old State House is a separate, older building downtown near the Freedom Trail. See our Old State House guide for that building.

Are tours of the Massachusetts State House free?

Yes. Public tours run by the Secretary of the Commonwealth's office are free, last about 40 minutes, and are offered in eight languages. Confirm current availability by calling 617-727-3676 before your visit.

What is the Sacred Cod?

The Sacred Cod is a carved wooden fish, about 5 feet long, that has hung over the House of Representatives chamber since 1784. It symbolizes the historic importance of the fishing industry to Massachusetts.

Who designed the Massachusetts State House?

Charles Bulfinch designed the building. Construction began in 1795 and finished in January 1798. The dome was originally wood, covered in copper by Paul Revere's copper company in 1802, and later gilded in gold in 1874.

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